Scottish Tale, and the road goes ever on
More of Edinborough, this time the lesser known places, out of the way spots. Though today the weather moved in to herald the end of the week, or perhaps the start of winter. Some would call it a drizzle of rain, perhaps more. I doubt such does the weather justice as I would prefer to liken it to Fog with great character and dubious intentions.
The first of the morning was spent in a tour of the city. Seeing the statues and architecture of the city. 200 statues to historic people grace Edinborough, placed everywhere, from parks to cathedrals, from small hidden courtyards to in front of banks or hotels. It was impressive, we even saw the hill known as Arthur's Seat.. a small mountain that rises in the middle of the city park, topped with the tan basalt volcanic outcrops of rock. The same kind Edinborough castle is made from.
When that was done, we spent time with a stroll along the Royal Mile, touring the shops and places there. Most of the shops range from chains to personal owned places. It was the personal owned shops that drew my interest more. They also had the more interesting fare. Hats, scarfs, and other small items that the chains don't carry at slightly less than normal tourist fare. We bought some and moved on, all and all it was lovely walking weather despite the near light flakes of slush that decorated the cobblestone roads, pedestrians, cars and structures. The wind blew in small gusts, pulling along the twisting roads still following the midieval plan from pre-1600, 1200 and even earlier in some places.
Down Royal Mile, we found the home of John Knox, the great protestant reformer. There are much of his speeches on display, his sermons and much on his life. He was quite the rascal, challenging Mary Queen of Scots, calling her a 'Hussie of Rome'. I'm very surprised he was never executed but only deported. Ah politics I suppose.
From there we wound our way along the Royal Mile back down past Grayfriar's Kirk to the oldest pub in Edinborough, called the Whitehart pub. Here Robert Burns, Sir Scott, Wordsworth, and others sat for a drink and composed their manuscripts. It was a warm place with wooden beams with messages like 'a man can drink but not be drunk' and so on. A page there told the story of the pub, as it was around during the hangings that took place in the 12th century and earlier, doing a lively business to the spectators of the grisley scenes. I can't speak for the scenes but I can speak for their Haggis, Leek and Tattles which is fantastic.
After our lunch we wandered back up across the Royal Mile and over to see the large statues at the City Council chambers. Built like a Greek temple in the front, the columns dominate the courtyard, giving an impressive spectacle, especially in the rain.
Even wet, live is bustling and busy. Most don't notice the weather, commenting on the cold and chill. The work crews refurbish the cobblestones and people hand out brochures to the passer-bys about upcoming plays or what-have-you. There is a feel to it that is friendly despite the fog with character, or perhaps in part to it!
By four it was time to pack, and catch the train to Glasgow. Edinborough is a full city, rich with history and in love with its tourists. While the history is impressive, it is a bit too urban for my tastes for a long visit. At Glasgow will be a bed and room waiting for some sleep. In the morning the flight out, the long trip to Amsterdamn and then to the US.
On the plane I'll have in my mind's eye or ear, the sound of the bagpiper standing on the street corner in the drizzle, dressed in full Highland regalia playing what seemed an endless variety of Scottish folk songs and tunes on his bagpipe. We encountered him early in the day but I couldn't help but stop and nod, smile and toss a healthy handful of pounds into his case. With a smile back, he gave me a grin, paused for a breath and a nod in return. I'll carry his songs and the words I've read on numerous monuments and places about Scotland. I'll paraphrase it a bit...
Your heart is free, it's up to you to follow it.
Good words.
The first of the morning was spent in a tour of the city. Seeing the statues and architecture of the city. 200 statues to historic people grace Edinborough, placed everywhere, from parks to cathedrals, from small hidden courtyards to in front of banks or hotels. It was impressive, we even saw the hill known as Arthur's Seat.. a small mountain that rises in the middle of the city park, topped with the tan basalt volcanic outcrops of rock. The same kind Edinborough castle is made from.
When that was done, we spent time with a stroll along the Royal Mile, touring the shops and places there. Most of the shops range from chains to personal owned places. It was the personal owned shops that drew my interest more. They also had the more interesting fare. Hats, scarfs, and other small items that the chains don't carry at slightly less than normal tourist fare. We bought some and moved on, all and all it was lovely walking weather despite the near light flakes of slush that decorated the cobblestone roads, pedestrians, cars and structures. The wind blew in small gusts, pulling along the twisting roads still following the midieval plan from pre-1600, 1200 and even earlier in some places.
Down Royal Mile, we found the home of John Knox, the great protestant reformer. There are much of his speeches on display, his sermons and much on his life. He was quite the rascal, challenging Mary Queen of Scots, calling her a 'Hussie of Rome'. I'm very surprised he was never executed but only deported. Ah politics I suppose.
From there we wound our way along the Royal Mile back down past Grayfriar's Kirk to the oldest pub in Edinborough, called the Whitehart pub. Here Robert Burns, Sir Scott, Wordsworth, and others sat for a drink and composed their manuscripts. It was a warm place with wooden beams with messages like 'a man can drink but not be drunk' and so on. A page there told the story of the pub, as it was around during the hangings that took place in the 12th century and earlier, doing a lively business to the spectators of the grisley scenes. I can't speak for the scenes but I can speak for their Haggis, Leek and Tattles which is fantastic.
After our lunch we wandered back up across the Royal Mile and over to see the large statues at the City Council chambers. Built like a Greek temple in the front, the columns dominate the courtyard, giving an impressive spectacle, especially in the rain.
Even wet, live is bustling and busy. Most don't notice the weather, commenting on the cold and chill. The work crews refurbish the cobblestones and people hand out brochures to the passer-bys about upcoming plays or what-have-you. There is a feel to it that is friendly despite the fog with character, or perhaps in part to it!
By four it was time to pack, and catch the train to Glasgow. Edinborough is a full city, rich with history and in love with its tourists. While the history is impressive, it is a bit too urban for my tastes for a long visit. At Glasgow will be a bed and room waiting for some sleep. In the morning the flight out, the long trip to Amsterdamn and then to the US.
On the plane I'll have in my mind's eye or ear, the sound of the bagpiper standing on the street corner in the drizzle, dressed in full Highland regalia playing what seemed an endless variety of Scottish folk songs and tunes on his bagpipe. We encountered him early in the day but I couldn't help but stop and nod, smile and toss a healthy handful of pounds into his case. With a smile back, he gave me a grin, paused for a breath and a nod in return. I'll carry his songs and the words I've read on numerous monuments and places about Scotland. I'll paraphrase it a bit...
Your heart is free, it's up to you to follow it.
Good words.
posted by Chris Ash | 1:38 PM
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